Police Warn Dorset Drivers About Using Personal Breathalysers

Dorset drivers are being warned not to rely on personal breathalysers because it's putting themselves and others at risk.

9 out 14 devices tested by Dorset County Council's Trading Standards officers showed the user was safe to drive even when they were over the drink drive limit.

Inspector Matt Butler, of Dorset Police's Traffic Unit, said: "This survey revealed that home breathalyser kits can be unreliable so we are urging people not to use them.

"Research has shown that just one drink can impair someone's ability to drive. Our message is very clear - if you are going to drive, don't drink any alcohol at all."

Ivan Hancock, Trading Standards Service Manager for Dorset County Council, said: "Our research shows that there is a wide variety of cheap breathalyser kits available for sale on the internet.

"Our tests have highlighted that the majority of these are unreliable and may give anyone using them a dangerously false sense of security.

"We have also identified some being sold with descriptions that cannot be substantiated which are likely to mislead anyone buying one.

"Drivers would be extremely foolish to rely on the readings they get from one of these cheap devices. Use your head. Just don't drink and drive."

This year's drink and drug drive campaign has received the backing of Margaret Waterland, whose husband David, 68, of Wareham, was killed by a drink-driver in Milborne St Andrew near Blandford on Wednesday 15 May 2013. Stewart Rosoman, 51, was jailed for six years in November 2014.

Margaret said: "Drink driving is simply not worth it. It is not only innocent lives you destroy but you also ruin your own family's lives - they suffer too."

To date seven people have been charged with a drink or drug driving-related offence.

Throughout the campaign there will be an increase in traffic patrols and roadside checks.

Every driver who is involved in a collision during this period will be breath tested, irrespective of whether they are suspected of drink driving or not.

If someone is caught drink driving, they will face a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.